US Bridges

FM over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Allamakee County, Iowa · 100063006 · Structure no. 000000000063390

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
69
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM over Bear Creek in Allamakee County, Iowa. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 71 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 69 vehicles a day, projected to reach 69 by 2044. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM
CrossesBear Creek
Location100063006
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAllamakee County
StateIowa
Coordinates43.45432, -91.59874
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69 (2022)
Projected traffic69 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is FM over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does FM over Bear Creek carry?

About 69 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is FM over Bear Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.